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software bug in controls for air system controls; recourse? I also want permanent recirc mode

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by asthmatic, Dec 30, 2014.

  1. asthmatic

    asthmatic Junior Member

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    I posted previously that I want to disable the automatic switching between recirculate and outside air mode on my 2012 Gen III Prius:
    want to disable automatic switching between recirc and outside air mode | Page 2 | PriusChat
    This design feature is hazardous to my health, as I have asthma, and inhaling exhaust from the vehicle in front of me gives me an asthma attack. Despite that PriusChat users pointed out that one can customize the air inlet mode on the 2012 Prius in Mexico and Korea, Toyota refused to offer such a customization for my Prius.

    Last night, the controls for my Prius air system exhibited a bug, which I captured on video: It was stuck in outside air mode and would not switch to recirc mode even when I pressed the button. Below is a screenshot from the video in which you can see that the display is not operating correctly either.

    Given that I have documented a bug in my Prius air system controls, do I have any recourse? I'm hoping I can somehow force Toyota to fix the air inlet mode issue based on the fact that I've documented this bug.

    thanks for any advice you may have! :)
     

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  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i was hoping you were back with a solution.(n) my advice would be to find a good lawyer who works on commission and sue them for everything they've got. i think you have a great case, but i'm not a lawyer, i only play one on the internets. unfortunately, the screenshot only shows that it's on outside air mode. maybe we can get a CLASS ACTION SUIT GOING?btw, are you using the charcoal cabin filter in the meantime?
     
    #2 bisco, Dec 30, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 31, 2014
  3. gliderman

    gliderman Active Member

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    Good luck! Let us know how it goes.
     
  4. asthmatic

    asthmatic Junior Member

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    The screenshot shows there's no icon for the air outlet mode even though I have the air system on [as indicated by the fan display]. But I do have the video to show to Toyota.

    I haven't tried the charcoal cabin filter. I figured it wouldn't make any difference, but perhaps I'm mistaken?

    I did consult a lawyer but he didn't think I have a great case. That's why I was hoping I could use the fact that I've documented that my air control system software has a bug to force them to fix the air inlet mode switching issue.
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i certainly would show it to your service manager and see if he will bring in the toyota regional rep to look at it. in the meantime, i would be using the best charcoal filter i could get, and keep hitting the pollen button.
     
  6. asthmatic

    asthmatic Junior Member

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    Thanks for your advice, bisco! Do you have a recommendation for a charcoal filter?
     
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    local dealer should have a genuine, or you can buy through online dealers at a discount.
     
  8. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I would think you'd have a tough time in proving Toyota responsible for customizing the air inlet system to behave in a manner outside the commercial norm.

    But if it has a bug and is NOT behaving normally, I think you'd have a strong case they should fix it so it behaves normally.

    If you need it customized? I think you're on your own. But if it has been done...in Mexico or Korea or anywhere, then I would think it is possible. There are a lot of brilliant minds here at Prius Chat. Somewhat surprised nobody gave you more specific instructions on how disabling or modifying the inlet system might be done. Unfortunately, I'm not that brilliant mind.

    I hope you do find some solution. If you otherwise like the vehicle it would be a shame to not be able to enjoy it, or have to make a change just because of the automatic air inlet and how becomes an asthma trigger. But breathing is pretty important,- it could be a deal breaker. There are occasional stories of people who have liked their Prius but ultimately had to make a vehicle change for whatever reason. The most common one is a bad back and the Prius seats.

    Let us know if you ultimately find resolution. Good Luck.
     
  9. RavenTBK

    RavenTBK Junior Member

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    From reading this thread, and looking through the older original issue referenced in the other linked thread, I wonder what's so different between your Prius and my own. My 2013 P3 will stay at whichever mode was last set, even between shutdowns. The only time it switches from recirc back to fresh without my intervention is when I select front defrost. Otherwise, when I set recirc, it stays recirc until I actually switch it to fresh.
     
  10. Easy Rider 2

    Easy Rider 2 Senior Member

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    There are a couple of things you need to be aware of before you take this any farther:

    Even in recirc. there is about 20% outside air. That is to keep a slightly positive cabin pressure as a safety measure against exhaust leaks in your own car. ALL cars are designed that way.

    Under certain conditions, your windshield can fog over REALLY fast in recirc. mode.
    I suspect that the environmental system was trying to tell you that your inside humidity was WAY high and that being in recirc. under those conditions would be a really BAD thing to do.

    Aside from the charcoal filter, which does not remove all of the contamination, I think that tinkering with the car's design is NOT a good solution to your problem.